Abstract

Hevelius’ correspondence with the French court (1654-1680, 123 letters) provides a unique example of 17th century funding and research through princely patronage. It comprises the exchanges regarding the search for a patron, the granting of a pension from the king and its retention, as well as the negotiation of endorsement, and highlights the role of Chapelain and Charles Perrault who acted as intermediaries. It also describes the fierce rivalries in winning the favour of Louis XIV and his Minister Colbert, for the founding of the Académie des sciences (1666) against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the 1664-1665 comet (with Auzout and Petit and the Royal Society) and on Hevelius’ instruments, prior to the dedication of Cometographia (1668) and Machina Cœlestis (1673). Furthermore, it reveals a lesser-known side of French diplomacy in Central Europe and the Baltic. The Supplementa, contain dedications, a record on the 1664-1665 comet, and the correspondence of Fabien Gustmeyer, one of these shadowy figures who moved from court to court.

Professor of modern history at the université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Chantal Grell extended her research in the historiography and history of courts to sciences, patronage and funding for science. Her works focus on the 17th and 18th centuries.